Google's Android Wear getting major update to take on Apple Watch

New Delhi: Tech giant Google on Monday announced major updates for its Android Wear software for smartwatches in a bid to increase usability and access to a range of information and apps right on one's wrist.

The slew of new features include always-on modes to provide useful information such as locations on a map or lists -- all available to the eye without turning on the screen -- increased Wi-Fi function, extra usability gestures and the ability to draw emojis, according to the official Google Blog.

The new function allows users to respond to a message by drawing a picture -- e.g., a smiley face or thumbs up -- and Android Wear translates the picture into a corresponding emoji using a new handwriting recognition technology launched by Google last week.

All seven Android Wear watches will have access to the update over the next few weeks, starting with the soon-to-be-released LG Watch Urbane.

Google has reportedly been working to make its Android Wear smartwatch platform work on Apple's iPhone, a source said.

Tech giant Google Inc has reportedly been working to make its Android Wear smartwatch platform work on Apple's iPhone, a source said.

If Google developed the Android Wear and Apple allowed it on its iOS platform, it would put the Android Wear in direct competition with Apple's upcoming Watch.

According to sources close to Google's development team, the tech giant is close to finishing the final technical details related to the plan.

Android Wear currently works on iPhone through a companion app that enables basic functions like notifications. A few third-party developers have also found ways to make the two rival platforms work together.